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Mariana Seixas is in the business of making Latin American founders’ dreams a reality.
As a director, senior counsel at SoftBank Investment Advisers, Seixas leads transaction structuring and deal negotiations for cross-border transactions for the SoftBank Latin America funds, as well as other strategic transactions.
Writing the check for growth-stage tech companies is just the start of SoftBank’s journey with its portfolio companies. Seixas works closely with companies that SoftBank invests in as they expand, strategize, and build out their teams. “You’re with them the whole way, and if they’re able to successfully IPO, which is a big dream for a lot of our founders, you’re part of that story,” she says. “Their success is our success, in a way.”
Her work with Pismo, a Brazilian fintech platform that Visa recently acquired for $1 billion, is a prime example. That deal was the largest fintech exit in Latin America since Nubank went public in late 2021 and the largest disclosed startup exit in 2023, according to Reuters. It was also the first billion-dollar exit SoftBank had for its Latin America funds.
“If [Softbank’s portfolio companies are] able to successfully IPO, which is a big dream for a lot of our founders, you’re part of that story. Their success is our success, in a way.”
Mariana Seixas
Pismo’s success is particularly significant, Seixas notes, because two of the startup’s four cofounders, including its chief technology officer, are women. “It’s not common to see female founders, especially in Latin America,” she says. “Plus, the founders are good people. They came from humble backgrounds and achieved tremendous success.”
The success of startups like Pismo has positive societal implications too. Seixas has seen firsthand how startups have changed things for the better in Brazil. “It’s easier for people to have access to a bank account, buy groceries, or finance a car loan,” she says. “Beyond selling a product or making money, these companies are offering a net benefit for people on the ground.”
Born in Brazil, Seixas moved to Florida when she was ten. As someone who grew up with Brazilian and American influences, Seixas credits her bicultural identity with aiding in her professional and personal growth.
“That broad variety of experiences opened me up to different thoughts and made me more flexible in how I adapt to different situations,” she reflects. “That’s a skill set that suits you wherever you go, whether you’re transitioning to a new job or dealing with different kinds of people.”
Her adaptability also positioned her well for a career in the law. After getting her law degree from the University of Virginia, Seixas served as an associate at White & Case, where she worked in the Miami and São Paulo offices on capital markets, project finance, and other strategic corporate transactions over the course of a decade.
Living in the US while working with Brazil and Spanish-speaking countries exposed her to an area of law she wanted to practice. “I liked the storytelling aspect of the profession and working with each company during an IPO,” she says. “You get to know the people and see how businesses differ in the way they reach out to the public.”
These experiences proved valuable when she joined SoftBank Group International as vice president and corporate counsel in 2021, later becoming director, senior counsel.
“We greatly value our partnership with Mariana Seixas at SoftBank. Together, we’ve worked on many innovative technology investments across Latin America,” says Randy Bullard, a partner at Morrison & Foerster. “Mariana’s leadership and dedication to mentoring young attorneys in Miami and beyond inspire us. We have no doubt she’ll continue to make a significant impact in the venture ecosystem.”
Seixas reminds young professionals of a Thomas Jefferson quote that speaks to two critical parts of success.
“The harder I work, the luckier I get,” she recites. “To me, that quote shows that hard work matters. It’s not about logging hours but getting experience. The more you do, the better equipped you’ll be. However, there is also an element of luck. If you’re meeting people and staying involved, you never know what opportunities may arise.”
Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes, SC:
We have worked with SB during the last 4 years mostly in connection with their investments in Mexican companies and non-Mexican companies with significant operations in the country, including initial investments and follow-on transactions, in business segments ranging from tech to financial, logistics, retail and e-commerce. Mariana is a sharp and thorough lawyer, focused on every single detail. It has been a pleasure to work with her during the last few years in several M&A deals and other complex legal matters.
Discover the power of partnership with Morrison Foerster and SoftBank. With a two-decade legacy of collaboration, we’ve driven transformative technology investments across Latin America’s vibrant venture ecosystem, from Brazil to Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia. Our unparalleled expertise in the region’s business, economic, and regulatory landscapes enables us to deliver innovative, practical, and business-savvy solutions, supporting our clients in achieving their commercial and legal goals with unmatched insight and dedication.
